Froman shines during Fan Fest practice

Mike Hughes

08/07/2009

Louisville fans were treated to a well executed and entertaining practice Friday night at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. They might also have seen the emergence of Louisville's new starting quarterback.

Adam Froman looked like Louisville's starting quarterback Friday night in front of about 1,000 or so Cardinal fans at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium.

Yes, this is the same player who threw two interceptions in the Cardinals first practice of fall camp Thursday. But the junior college transfer was clearly the best quarterback on the field Friday night and it was easy to see why many think he'll emerge from the pack to win the starting job.

Though he took second reps behind Justin Burke, Froman picked the defense apart with accurate passing and also showed he could he could make plays with his legs when plays broke down. That's what separates him from Burke and redshirt freshman Zach Stoudt – his mobility.

While Burke was inconsistent with his first reps, Froman came out on fire during 7 on 7's. He connected on all five of his pass attempts during his first series, completing a few short passes before connecting with Doug Beaumont downfield for a solid gain and Trent Guy deep for a touchdown over junior college transfer Anthony Conner.

On his next series, Froman picked up where he left off. Froman spread the wealth on his second series, completing passes to Troy Pascley, Rashad Roberts, Doug Beaumont and Damian Copeland. The only pass he missed was a deep ball to Josh Chichester that might have been pass interference. For the series, Froman completed passes to the flats, over the middle and a swing pass to the running back.

When the team moved into the 11 on 11 portion of practice, Froman showed off his legs gaining a huge chunk of yardage after one particular play had broken down. A while later, Froman hit Troy Pascley deep over two defenders for a touchdown.

The stat line for Froman: Two touchdowns, no interceptions and big plays through the air and on the ground.

Burke also had some fine moments, particularly a nice play-action pass that resulted in a big gain to tight end Cameron Graham and a couple of downfield pass plays to Doug Beaumont. But the junior also botched a snap and threw an interception that was returned JUCO transfer Bobby Burns.

After a solid first practice, Zach Stoudt looked like the guy running behind Froman and Burke. In his first series, Stoudt struggled with his accuracy, short arming a swing pass and nearly throwing interceptions on consecutive plays.

NEWS ITEMS
Safety Terence Simien, a junior college transfer, and Tyler Jessen were on the field practicing tonight after missing the first practice on Thursday. Junior college offensive lineman Joe Evinger didn't practice for the second day in a row.

Scott Long sat out the second part of practice with an ice bag taped to his right knee.

Victor Anderson caught a bunch of passes out of the backfield. Troy Pascley, Trent Guy and Doug Beaumont also caught several passes apiece.

Following practice, defensive coordinator Brent Guy told InsideTheVille.com that he has been impressed with junior college cornerback Preston Pace. Pace again covered well and made a few plays on the ball.